Evacuation order issued after landslide blocks Chilcotin River west of Williams Lake
Posted July 31, 2024 12:48 pm.
Last Updated July 31, 2024 9:48 pm.
The Cariboo Regional District (CRD) issued an evacuation order for an area along the Chilcotin River Wednesday after a landslide blocked the river west of Williams Lake.
According to the Tsilhqot’in National Government, the landslide happened upstream near Nagwentled Farwell Canyon before 9:30 a.m.
The CRD also declared a State of Local Emergency for Electoral Area K. The emergency includes the communities of Redstone, Alexis Creek, Tl’etinqox, Lees Corner, Hanceville, Big Creek, Riske Creek, and Becher House.
The regional district says while the Chilcotin River is blocked, it is advising the public to stay off the river due to the risk to public safety. It is warning there is a “high risk” of flash flooding.
CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO 1130 NEWSRADIO VANCOUVER LIVE!CRD Emergency Operations Centre Information Officer Gerald Pinchbeck tells 1130 NewsRadio that there are 12 homes impacted by the evacuation orders, with an estimated 13 residents impacted. He says 60 properties are included in the order areas.
“The River Forecast Centre has also issued a Flood Warning, Flood Watch, and High Streamflow Advisory as a result of the landslide,” Pinchbeck added.
The Thompson-Nicola Regional District (TNRD) announced Wednesday afternoon it’s facing precautionary measures in response to the landslide as well.
“We have been informed by [BC Transportation] about precautionary ferry closures on the Fraser River,” TNRD said in a post to social media.
“The Big Bar Ferry is now closed, and the Lytton Ferry is expected to be closed July 31, 2024, at 10 p.m.”
In a statement posted to social media, Minister of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness Bowinn Ma shared, “We are working closely with local authorities to respond to the blockage of the Chilcotin River near Farwell Canyon.”
“The risk of unpredictable water flow is significant — if you are in the area, please stay away from the river and follow local instructions to stay safe,” she added.
People urged to stay off Chilcotin River
The Ministry of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness says members of the Ministry of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship are on scene to conduct assessments, with aerial support from the BC Wildfire Service.
“Further geotechnical assessments are underway to determine the level of risk downstream,” the ministry explained.
The province issued an emergency alert Wednesday evening, urging people and boaters to leave the following areas right away:
- Banks of Chilcotin River from Hanceville to Fraser River
- Banks of the Fraser River from Chilcotin River to Hope
Meanwhile, Central Cariboo Search and Rescue said earlier in the day that a team was “on task responding to an injured individual and landslide west of Williams Lake.”
“The injured male is in stable condition and in the care of BC Emergency Health Services,” SAR said just after 1 p.m.
1130 NewsRadio has reached out to the Cariboo Regional District and Central Cariboo Search and Rescue for more information.
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